Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle will run for governor

The mayor of one of Alabama's most prosperous cities is running for governor.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, in his third term as mayor in the Rocket City, told Yellowhammer News on Thursday night that he will take a shot at governor.

Battle did not respond to AL.com for comment on Thursday night.

Battle's entrance into the race comes as no surprise. He flirted with challenging former Gov. Robert Bentley four years ago before opting not to run. And Battle confirmed to AL.com more than a month ago that he was considering a run in 2018.

Battle will run as a Republican.

He has been meeting with supporters and influential political personalities for several weeks leading up to his decision to run for office.

No mayor in Alabama history has ever been elected governor.

Battle is among the first candidates to announce plans to run for governor. Former Morgan County Commissioner Stacy Lee George, who challenged Bentley four years ago, has also said he will run again.

Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, chair of the Alabama Public Service Commission, has said she is considering a run for governor. Kay Ivey, who ascended to governor when Bentley resigned earlier this month, has not said if she will seek the position next year.